The 1960s saw a significant change in global awareness of nature and environmental protection. In 1962, Rachel Carson’s inspirational book “Silent Spring” highlighted the harmful effects of pesticides, generating widespread concern about environmental harm. Inspired by this, Earth Day was established on 22 April in 1970. In 1964, the Wilderness Act was passed into law, protecting nine million acres of federal lands from development. The decade saw the birth of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, which laid the foundation for environmental regulations for conservation. Additionally, significant events such as the Santa Barbara oil crisis in 1969 increased public awareness of the dangers of formal drilling. Throughout the decade, environmental action became dynamic as people recognized the inherent value of preserving nature for future generations, shaping policies and perceptions of environmental protection that continue to influence global efforts today.
The Swinging Sixties marked a time of significant change for the renowned scientific journal Nature. Amidst an environment of social upheaval, geographical tension and rapid technological progress, publishing faced challenges and underwent major changes. In the early 1960s, the magazine faced editorial changes, including the retirement of one editor and the attrition of another editor. However, it received a revival under the acumen of a new editor, who renewed its content, aesthetics, and organizational structure. Despite facing censorship and collection processes, Nature persevered, moving its office and even entertaining takeover proposals, though not seriously considering them. These shallow changes show the magazine’s persistence in a changing landscape.
Scientific progress continued at a remarkable pace as biology and physics led the way in the 1960s. The details of the structure of DNA were elucidated, ushering in the Golden Age of biology as researchers began to understand the intricacies of the genetic code. In a major work titled ‘The general nature of the genetic code for proteins’, published by Francis Crick and colleagues, the basic questions of how proteins are coded from DNA were discussed. This paper revealed important principles in this era: three DNA bases to one amino acid, non-overlapping codes, stable start points, and the existence of multiple codons to the same amino acid. This major study sparked optimism, with researchers anticipating more amazing advances, and suggesting that complete understanding of the genetic code was possible.
Meanwhile, in the field of physics, the 1960s saw the introduction of transformative technologies. Theodore Memnon’s development of the first laser marked a significant moment, even though it was initially a solution to a problem. Over time, the discovery of pulsars, initially thought of as possible extraterrestrial signals, revealed their true identity as rotating neutron stars. These discoveries exemplify the spirit of discovery and innovation of the era, reshaping our understanding of our universe and laying the foundation for future scientific endeavors.
The Natural Method served as an important forum for disseminating these important discoveries, fostering scientific discussion and collaboration between departments. In particular, the journal hosted important research, such as the elucidation of the structure of the first enzyme, lysozyme, which drove the early revolution in the last decade. Furthermore, advances in genetics, inspired by Crick and others, rapidly advanced our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of life. In 1966, researchers identified base-pair triplets (codons) for all 20 amino acids encoded in DNA, with many of the discoveries originating from Crick’s laboratory. These achievements make clear to us the role of Nature as a stimulus to scientific progress, and fill us with hope for further exploration and discovery in the years ahead.
For science and the broader scientific community, the 1960s marked a period of dynamic change and remarkable scientific progress. Despite facing editorial changes, censorship, and logistical challenges, the journal persevered, and emerged as an important conduit for disseminating exemplary research. From deciphering the genetic code to solving the mysteries of the universe, this era laid the groundwork for groundbreaking advances that continue to shape our understanding of the natural world today.
Arthur Gale retired from his post at Nature at the end of 1961, having modeled more than four decades of diligent service in the crucial decades of the 20th century. His tenure made him one of the longest-serving individuals in the history of the renowned scientific journal. Remarkably, only Richard Gregory, who served actively from 1893 to 1939, surpassed Gale’s tenure. While Norman Lockyer held the title of editor from 1869 to 1919, the last part of his service was a more nominally active one. Gale’s character was considered shrouded in obscurity, contrasting with the more expansive and active perception of his co-editor Jack Brimble. His editorial activity, though prodigious, proved fruitful, signaling the new age of education under Brimble’s leadership.
In the 1960s, Nature experienced a marked uptick in contributions worldwide, indicative of the journal’s expanding international reach and influence in the scientific community. Particularly noteworthy was the marked increase in contributions from the Soviet Union and its satellite states, such as Poland and Hungary, after a stagnation in letter sending in the previous decade. In 1962, for example, East Germany published four papers while West Germany published twenty, a prime example of the journal’s dialogue with both sides of the duality. However, Nature’s distribution policies restricting the dissemination of certain materials reflected some of the complex geographical environment of the contractual strategic environment during which the journal operated.
A significant moment in Macmillan’s history came in 1964 when the company decided to relocate its ancient building, located on St. Martin’s Street in London, which had served as its headquarters since 1897, to new accommodation on Little Essex Street. In. The move coincided with the company’s growing archive, which had been accumulated over decades of publishing efforts, particularly in the area of books. This extensive archive material has been preserved in the British Library, demonstrating Macmillan’s commitment to continuing to preserve its rich publishing heritage. In particular, the archive contains papers relating to book publishing, including communications with Lockyer and other leading scientists relating to the founding of Nature in the 19th century. However, there were few archival records specifically related to Nature, with early dialogues surviving primarily within the personal archives of important individuals such as Lockyer and Gregory. Despite efforts to centralize the nature-related discourse at Imperial College London in the 1970s, much of the material remained unindexed and ultimately suffered destruction, highlighting the challenges of preserving historical documents in the face of changing institutional practices. .
The retirement of Arthur Gell, the development of an international forum for scientific discussion, and Macmillan’s museum legacy represent the unifying threads of Nature’s history in the 1960s. These developments attest to the journal’s serial compromises with the persistence of its belief in promoting scientific inquiry on a global scale, as well as the complexities of political situations and the preservation of its own institutional memories. Through changes in editorial leadership, changes in presentation patterns, and preservation of archived materials, Nature has served as a cornerstone of scientific communication and exploration up to the present day.
Before the 1960s, the dominant scientific consensus rejected the idea of continental drift as a complex phenomenon, dismissing it negatively as simply lacking clear evidence. However, new understandings of Earth’s geological processes led to a transition to a modern perspective that transformed critical perspectives. It was through diligent observation and analysis to solve the mysteries hidden beneath the Earth’s surface. In particular, the direction of the Earth’s magnetic field was found to be preserved inside newly formed rocks. This important prediction provided a key to the mystery of our planet’s past. However, discrepancies arose when comparing magnetic “stripes” located in stones from different continents. This anomaly offered two possible explanations: either the magnetic poles were experiencing unstable motions or the seafloor itself was in motion.
The seminal paper by Frederick Vine and Drum Matthews, published on September 7, 1963, decisively advanced the theory of seafloor spreading and its relationship to magnetic patterns. Building on observations previously made by renowned scientists such as Keith Runcorn and Robert Dietz, Vine and Matthews organized existing data from a new perspective, providing a comprehensive framework supported with direct archaeological evidence. His sensitive climatological studies carefully analyzed seafloor lava flows, helping to reconcile the controversial theory of continental drift with actual geological phenomena. This important work led to a new era in the acceptance of plate technology, with multifaceted collaboration and study between insight and exploration.
The unexpected death of an eminent man whose studies created a deep resonance in the scientific community, the untimely death of Brimble, 61, in deep repose at his London residence on November 15, 1965, in anticipation of the demise of that man, stirred the senses. The grief and sadness that surrounded the announcement published in Nature that week reflected the deep shock and sadness felt by colleagues and collaborators. Brimble’s steadfast devotion to scientific research and his contribution to the scientific nature of Nature as a force for dissent were evident throughout his distinguished career. Despite his jovial demeanor, the archaeological record from Basingstoke highlights Brimble’s staunch advocacy of the freedom and integrity of scientific debate, even if it meant challenging the dominant establishment of Macmillan Publishing, headed by Harold Macmillan, Daniel Grandson of Macmillan and former British Prime Minister.
Brimble’s vital role in sustainability and the dissemination of scientific knowledge was further strengthened. In particular, he directed the event to commemorate the 5,000th issue of the prestigious publication Nature magazine, a testament to its sustainability and global reach. In an interview with the BBC on this occasion, Brimble proudly claimed that Nature’s formidable readership had expanded to 250,000 scientists in 120 countries, with a circulation of 15,000 per copy. His vision and tireless advocacy of scientific ethics continue to resonate today, leaving an indelible mark on the platform of scientific publishing and scientific research. Through his legacy, Brimble remains an iconic figure, conveying his spirit of tireless dedication to the attainment of knowledge and the forefront of human understanding.
Following the death of respected editor Brimble in December 1965, Nature, a leading journal of the natural sciences, found itself in a transitional period. The search for a suitable alternative was carried out carefully for six months. Finally, in June of 1966, Macmillan News announced the appointment of John Maddux as the new editor. Maddux brings himself a diverse background, having previously worked as a theoretical physicist and lecturer at the University of Manchester, UK, and then at the Manchester Guardian (later The Guardian) before moving into journalism. His experience in improving education extends to his involvement in the Nuffield Science Teaching Project, which aims to modernize science education for ages 5 to 18 in the UK. Maddux’s multidisciplinary background, combined with his experiences as a scientist and journalist, would prove beneficial when he took on the editorship of Nature, given the challenges he faced.
In an interview after his appointment, Maddox commented candidly on Nature’s reputational flaws, saying that the magazine was “very lacking in news as a weekly publication”. This acceptance signaled significant changes soon to occur under his leadership. In fact, there were many areas within the magazine that demanded attention and modernization. A worrying issue was the huge number of forward-looking articles awaiting publication, numbering 2,300 drafts. Additionally, concerns were raised within the scientific community regarding the handling of the drafts. Criticisms included that published works were experiencing an incomplete approach to cross-selection processes, omissions in identifying valuable material, and inconsistent with contemporary standards. Maddox recognized the urgent need for complete reform in many departments within nature.
Addressing the growing backlog of unpublished human books became a fundamental priority when Maddox assumed the editorship. During Brimble’s tenure, the absence of a systematic approach to managing submissions led to a chaotic collection of papers for review and publication. Some scientists lamented the lack of clarity and consistency and the lack of sensitivity in selecting articles considered printworthy. The editorial team faced difficulties as there were no records for the monsoon dates received. An anecdote about Brimble’s unusual system, in which he mentioned a kind of “histogram” for tracking presentations, the comparative size of monsoon letters piled on the wide sill of a wide window, was a more organized and Highlights the need for efficient systems.
To address these issues and streamline the editing process, Maddox recognized the need to implement a dedicated authentication system. This system will not only ensure rigorous evaluation of the submitted submissions but will also scrutinize the reviewers to ensure they meet the expected standards. However, such reforms had to come with its own challenges and time constraints. It took 18 months of hard work to successfully clear the monsoon backlog, marking an important milestone in Maddox’s editorial review. Through strategic reforms and a dedication to modernization, Maddox turned Natural toward greater efficiency, transparency, and relevance to the natural community.
At the time of the Natural Society’s centennial in 1969, under the leadership of John Maddux, significant changes were taking place, signaling a departure from the traditional atmosphere of the journal. Maddux introduced significant changes, the most prominent of which was the introduction of a news section, which described current events at a higher level than just information. Positioned prominently after the editorial, this section broke from tradition, recognizing the importance of news in scientific debate. Additionally, a redesigned News and Opinion section enlivened the magazine, clarifying complex topics and restoring interest amid increased specialties. Maddux’s effort aimed to modernize the Institute of Natural Sciences, making it more accessible and relevant in a changing scientific landscape in scientific approach.
The Natural Society’s centenary celebration in 1969 was a landmark occasion, celebrated with a VIP dinner and a commemorative collection of historical articles, most of which were prepared by Roy MacLeod. These articles were selected to highlight the rich heritage of the journal, serving as evidence of its enduring influence in the scientific community. The introductory piece, probably written by Maddux, is titled “Is It Safe to Look Back?” Took an optimistic view of the future. It was a forward-thinking gesture in which the magazine looked back at a century of achievements, looking to the future with a passing compass, where science would lead progress and change.
Maddux’s tenure at Nature was characterized by a dedication to innovation and progress. Under his leadership, the journal abandoned its old form, adopting a more dynamic approach to scientific communication. Through prioritizing news coverage and livening up editorial content from time to time, Maddux reinvigorated Nature, ensuring its continuation in an ever-expanding world. When Nature set out on its next century, it did so with a new impetus, considering its role as a force for scientific advance and social change. In Maddux’s view, Nature will not only write history but also actively shape it, supporting the transformative power of science to promote significant progress and improve the human condition.